When were the best tube amps made?


And what were they?

1980's Audio Research need not apply. 

erik_squires
Post removed 

Most individuals today only receive demonstrations from a very modern design for a Tube Amp'.

The Companies were becoming more 'Corporate Like' the Bean Counters were taken advice from Techies who had not respect for tradition.

Resulting in designs that were enforced to change Topology and Schematics were designed to omit Transformers from the Circuits. Streamlining the component count and casing dimensions took precedent, over overall performance.

If a Amp' with circuits from the period of Halcyon, is discovered and breathed on with a sympathetic approach, using the accuracy of modern components to interface with the Olden World irreplaceable components, now one is 'cooking on gas'.

Barn finds are still big business, as the few in the know, charge substantial amounts to allow another to share in the secret.

    

I think it depends what kind of tube amplifiers.

The are number of types:

1. Low power SET under 10 watt - 45, 2A3, 300B, PX25, AD1,...

2. High power SET over 10 watt - 211, 845,...

3. Small push-pull up to 20 watt - EL84, 6V6,...

4. Mid power push-pull 20-50 watt - EL34, KT66,...

5. High power push-pull over 50 watt - KT88,...

6. OTL

It also depends for what kind of speakers these amplifiers for.

Erik, I didn't find your OP trolly.  But the SP10 is an 80s AR design and it is difficult to beat.  But when Krell entered the market around that time with the KSA50, it had that era's valve amps beat.  I still have mine and it's still very good.